Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claimed right lower extremity conditions, including shin splints, knee disorders, and ankle disorder, are not shown to be related to service. As such, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder and arthritis were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee condition, and denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is directly related to his active duty service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination with an orthopedist to address whether the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus caused or aggravated his current ankle, knee, low back, and neck disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to his in-service injury and denied service connection on a direct basis. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the bilateral pes planus and the current left knee condition.

The Veteran's total evaluation for left knee replacement was reduced from 100 percent to 30 percent effective November 1, 2008. The Board finds that the reduction was proper as his condition improved and he no longer required a total evaluation. He is not entitled to an increased rating or TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there was no evidence of chronicity. The medical opinions were against a nexus to service.

The Board found that the current right knee disorder is not related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right knee disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues of service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and bilateral elbow/knee disorders. The appeal is also referred back to the AOJ due to other unadjudicated claims.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee is found to be due to service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for left knee disability, residuals of right ankle injury, and right wrist disability. The new evidence shows current disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease and chondrocalcinosis, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on this claim.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of a bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's current knee disabilities are related to his parachute jumping during service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his claim for service connection of a right knee condition. The low back condition issue is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a rescheduled hearing. The issues of entitlement to increased rating for Osgood Schlatter's disease in the right knee and service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain are pending.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for service-connected sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity from 20 percent to noncompensable, effective December 29, 2012, and 10 percent since September 25, 2013, was not in accordance with law. As a result, the Veteran's 20 percent rating for sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is restored.

The Veteran's March 5, 2010 right knee surgery necessitated at least one month of convalescence and resulted in the necessity for continued use of crutches. The Board granted a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 from March 5, 2010 to May 1, 2010.

The Veteran's current GERD/dyspepsia, umbilical hernia, and right inguinal hernia were incurred during his military service.